The creation of over 200 affordable and private homes in Perth came a step closer today with the approval of planning permission for the multi-million pound Muirton development...

Urban Union Ltd, appointed by Caledonia Housing Association to complete the final phase, has been granted permission by the City of Perth to build 203 new houses, which will include 102 affordable units, 101 private one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes and an attractive outdoor space comprising a park with private and shared gardens.

The new homes will form an important part of the regeneration of the site adjacent to St Johnstone’s Football Club former ground in Muirton and will follow extensive community engagement in the development of the master plans.

The project will involve over £11m of investment from Caledonia Housing Association with just under £6m grant funding from the Scottish Government. The new homes will be designed by urban architecture specialists Barton Willmore. Work will begin on site in Autumn 2016, with completion of the affordable homes scheduled for the end of 2018 and the private homes by summer 2019.

The project is also expected to deliver further benefits by generating employment as part of a commitment to develop community enterprise. The construction will create six apprenticeships, 18 training courses and 24 additional work experience opportunities.

Susan Hallsworth, managing director of Urban Union, says: “This is a major opportunity to move forward with one of Scotland’s largest and most significant housing-led regeneration projects.”

Susan continues: “Our track record, in Edinburgh and Glasgow, demonstrates we are fully committed to community engagement and we look forward to developing strong local partnerships which will form the cornerstone of our development strategy. There will be opportunities for the Perth community to be involved in the project, particularly in terms of jobs and training opportunities, as well as creating a community enterprise.”

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive at Caledonia Housing Association, says: “We are delighted that these new homes will soon be under construction. I am pleased to see that this project will not only provide homes but job opportunities as well.”

Grant Ager, chief executive at Fairfield Housing Co-operative, says: “We now have the support of the local council to provide further quality, maintained housing to those in genuine need in the city.

“We have been a committed housing provider to the city of Perth for over 25 years and are looking forward to this new venture in partnership with Caledonia Housing Association, Perth and Kinross Council and Urban Union.”

From the outset Urban Union will work in partnership with the local community, ensuring their views and needs are reflected in the regeneration of their area. Information will be available to prospective buyers very soon.